Gaming machine accounting and ticketing system with cashier station

ABSTRACT

A gaming system includes multiple gaming machines and one or more cashier stations. The gaming machines are configured to issue value tickets, such upon cash-out. Cashier stations may be configured to validate tickets and cash them out by paying the player equivalent value in money, such as bills or coins, or credit financial accounts or cards. The cashier stations may also be configured to accept monies and issue tickets which may be used at gaming machines. The cashier stations may collect player identification information and interface with external governing bodies, such as taxing entities.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/391,706, filed Feb. 7, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/657,826, filed Jan. 27, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,896,739, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/389,276, filed Mar. 24, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,647,177, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/852,807, filed May 25, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,676, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/872,132, filed Jun. 1, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,095.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a metering and accounting system having particular utility to one or more gaming machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The gaming, arcade, and vending machine industry relies heavily on electromechanical counters, otherwise referred to as meters, to count coin and currency input. These electromechanical counters are the default standard used by gaming compliance agencies and other business entities to keep track of the monetary history of these devices. The meters report coin-in, coin-out (coins paid out), coins to drop (coins that go to the drop bucket), the number of games played, the number of jackpots, etc. Vending machines and arcade game machines use meters for similar functions.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of such a meter as used in a gaming machine for tracking “coins in”. As illustrated, the meter 20 is associated with a meter interface 22. The interface 22 is normally associated with a master gaming machine controller 24. The meter 20 includes a visible count indicator 26 in the form of rotating wheels having numbers printed thereon, the wheels cooperating to present a value indicative of coin input or other data. A person may visually inspect the count indicator 26 to obtain the data.

In use, a signal may be transmitted from a coin comparitor 30 or hopper 32 indicating that a coin has been received. This signal may be transmitted to the master gaming machine controller 24. The master gaming machine controller 24 then sends a signal to the meter interface 22 indicating that a coin has been input, and that the meter 20 should be caused to increment the visible count indicator 26. The signal from the master gaming machine controller 24 to the meter interface 22 is generally in accordance with a unique, and often proprietary communication/data protocol. The importance of this will be understood below. In any event, once the interface receives the data, it sends a signal to the meter 20 causing the meter to mechanically rotate one of the wheels of the count indicator 26 to reflect the coin input.

In the gaming industry, electronic systems have been devised that tap into the wire leads of the electromechanical meters and use an optically-isolated circuit that receives current when the meter is energized. This is used to acquire what is commonly known as the “soft” count (as opposed to a “hard” count, which comprises viewing the visible count indicator to obtain the data), because the machine system software is used to store the updated meter information in the machine logic board, or in a computer database via a network from the machine.

The interface and installation of these systems are labor intensive and require skilled technicians to properly tap into the meters. Errors in the installation can cause the machine and the meter to malfunction. For example, by tapping into the meter leads, the impedance and other electrical characteristics of the circuit may be substantially altered. This alteration may prevent proper operation of the meter. Additionally, the amount of circuitry and cabling required to interface with all of the various types of machines and manufacturers is extensive.

Another problem is that the firmware program required to support all of the different installations and machine types is extensive and requires very specialized programming skills. In the gaming industry, the more modern slot machine designs provide meter information via a specialized serial interface which, as discussed above, may operate in accordance with a proprietary protocol. Because slot machine vendors often sell electronic slot machine accounting systems, they will charge fees to use the protocol. Some of these protocols have become industry standards, and the owners of these standards charge fees for the latest versions or enhancements. Thus, obtaining the meter information by tapping into the data lines first requires knowledge of ever-changing protocols and complex programming, and may also require payment to the slot machine vendor which owns the rights in the proprietary protocol.

No matter how new the design of the machine is and the protocol for data transfer with its interface, however, the electromechanical meter is still the standard for measurement. Just like an odometer in an automobile, it must be reliable and trusted and not easily tampered with. The electromechanical meter manufacturers design these devices to work reliably for millions of cycles. The meters are placed in machines to function autonomously. They are mounted in the machine housing, and even if the logic board of a machine is changed (such as putting a new game into an old machine, using new hardware and/or software), the meters remain intact. In a gaming environment, a meter change in a slot machine, or any other gaming machine, must be reported to the appropriate gaming compliance agency.

Nevertheless, electromechanical counters are sill prone to tampering. Although these electromechanical counters do not have a reset feature, they still may be physically altered. Furthermore, a person reading the electromechanical counter may mistakenly misread and record the number shown on the meter, or an unscrupulous individual may deliberately record the wrong number. Therefore, inaccurate data of the financial performance of the machines would be reported. The ability to tamper with the counters to meters without detection has lead to abuse by unscrupulous collectors and service personnel who may decrease the number of games played (or coins inserted, etc.) in order to collect the unreported portion of the revenue.

Additional issues with wager type gaming is tracking payments made to gaming machines (often referred to as “coin-in”) and payouts made by gaming machines (often referred to as “coin-out”), and providing convenient methods for paying winning players and permitting players to move credits or value from one machine to another. As indicated, payments made to and made by gaming machines are currently confirmed using mechanical meters. This method is cumbersome and does not permit instantaneous and remote verification of gaming machine accounting data. Separate systems are used to pay players, such as complex voucher systems which include central hosts which generate ticket information when a player wishes to cash-out and which are used to verify and pay tickets when the player wishes to redeem their ticket or provide value to a gaming machine.

Yet another issue relates to the storage of coins and currency at gaming machines or cashier stations and the issuance or payment of money to players. For example, existing gaming machines which accept currency have currency storage devices or “cash boxes” into which accepted currency is deposited. A security risk exists with the storage of large amounts of currency at each gaming machine. In addition, these cash boxes can fill up quickly, requiring casinos to replaced full cash boxes with empty ones at each gaming machine on a frequent basis. Also, upon cash-out, gaming machines or cashier stations may be configured to dispense currency or coins. This requires that the gaming machine have a coin or currency dispensing device and thus store coins and currency for dispensing. Again, this results in a security risk. In addition, this requires the casino to continually re-stock the gaming machines with coins or currency. This results in cumbersome and time consuming maintenance of the gaming machines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a secondary metering system for a gaming machine, an accounting system for a plurality of gaming machines, a plurality of gaming machines including accounting units, a plurality of gaming machines configured to generate and issue, as well as accept, tickets representing value, and one or more cashier stations for a gaming system.

One embodiment of the invention is a secondary metering system. The secondary metering system is design to be associated with a primary metering system of a gaming machine, the primary metering system including one or more electromechanical meters having count indicators.

In one embodiment, the secondary metering system includes a detector for passively detecting an event of the electromechanical meter. In a preferred embodiment, such an event comprises the receipt of an electrical signal activating the electromechanical meter for incrementing or decrementing a visible count indicator of the meter. The detector provides an output to a controller. The controller manipulates the detector output, such as by counting output signal pulses and/or transmitting an output.

In one embodiment, the detector comprises an inductive pickup coil or winding. The controller includes an amplifier coupled to the inductive pickup winding to boost a signal detected from the inductive pickup winding, a pulse detector coupled to the amplifier for detecting pulses, a microprocessor coupled to the pulse detector for counting the pulses detected by the pulse detector and for storing meter data related to the counted pulses in a memory device, and an interface coupled to the microprocessor for transmitting the meter data from the memory device.

In one embodiment, the inductive pickup coil comprises a secondary winding on an actuator electromagnet of the electromechanical meter. In another embodiment, the inductive pickup coil is located in a housing positioned adjacent the electromechanical meter.

One embodiment of the invention is a gaming machine including accounting capabilities. In one embodiment a gaming machine includes an accounting unit comprising an accounting controller and associated memory. Preferably, the accounting unit is configured to receive signals from a secondary metering system associated with one or more meters of a primary metering system of the gaming machine, the meters registering monetary events at the gaming machine. Collected meter information regarding monetary events at the gaming machine, such as value-in (such as coin or credit-in), wins, wagers and the like, are utilized by the accounting unit to create accounting data for the machine.

In one embodiment of the invention, one or more gaming machines including accounting capabilities are associated with one or more accounting servers or hosts. The accounting controller of each gaming machine is configured to transmit accounting information to the host, which may be remotely located. In this manner, accounting data may be tracked in real time, remotely from the gaming machine. The accounting information may be used to audit the gaming machine, including monies collected at the machine and paid at the machine to ensure proper operation of the machine and to detect possible fraud. The accounting host may be associated with one or more output devices such as displays or printers to output accounting information to a user of the system, such as displayed accounting data.

Another embodiment of the invention is a gaming machine configured to generate and dispense value tickets and accept those tickets, and a system including a plurality gaming machines so configured.

In one embodiment, a gaming machine includes an accounting system configured to generate accounting information, such as the number of credits or monetary value belonging to a player and associated with the gaming machine. Upon receiving a signal that a player wishes to “cash-out,” such as from a gaming controller of the machine in response to a player input, the accounting system is configured to generate ticket information. In one embodiment, this information includes a ticket identifier. The ticket identifier may include a gaming machine number and a ticket number. Preferably, the gaming machine number or identifier is unique to the gaming machine as to all gaming machines associated with the system, and the ticket number is unique to the particular machine. In this manner, each ticket identifier for all tickets generated by all machines of the system are unique. The information also includes the value of the ticket and may include additional information, such as the time the ticket was generated. Ticket information including the ticket identifier and ticket value are stored in a memory which is preferably associated with the accounting controller.

Ticket information is transmitted from the accounting controller to a ticket printer of the gaming machine. The ticket printer then prints and dispenses the ticket to the player.

The gaming machines include ticket readers. In response to the input of a ticket, ticket information is read and transmitted to the accounting controller of the machine. In one embodiment, each gaming machine stores information regarding the tickets it generated. In that embodiment, the accounting controller then determines if it generated the ticket. If so, the accounting controller verifies the ticket, such as by determining if the ticket has already been redeemed. If the ticket is verified, then ticket value information is forwarded to the reader. However, if the ticket is not identified by the accounting controller at which the ticket is presented, the accounting controller sends the ticket information out for verification by the machine at which the ticket was generated. The controller may send a global signal or a particular signal based upon the machine code. The accounting controller of the machine at which the ticket was generated verifies the ticket in response to the signal, obtains the ticket value from its memory, and transmits the value to the gaming machine at which the ticket was presented.

In another embodiment, when a gaming machine generates a ticket it stores the ticket information and transmits the ticket information to all other gaming machines. In this manner, each gaming machine stores duplicate ticket information for all tickets generated by all gaming machines. Thus, when a ticket is presented for redemption at another gaming machine, that gaming machine is capable of verifying the ticket without transmitting a request to the issuing gaming machine.

In either embodiment, once the ticket value is provided to the reader, the reader outputs a signal to cause the gaming controller to register credits in the value of the ticket. In one embodiment, the reader sends a signal to pulse generator which causes the pulse generator to generate pulses equalling the number of credits having the ticket value. Those pulses are registered by the gaming controller, thus enabling the player to utilize the credits for game play.

The accounting and cashless/coinless system and method of the invention may be implemented with or apart from the intelligent metering system of the invention.

As yet another aspect of the invention, one or more cash-out or cashier stations may be associated with one or more gaming machines. A player may be permitted to cash-out or redeem a ticket at a cash-out station. When a player (directly or via a cashier or otherwise) presents the ticket, the cash-out station verifies the ticket by sending ticket information out to the gaming machines for verification or by comparison to stored ticket data at the cashier station. Once verified, the station is preferably configured to issue monies to the player or causing the cashier to pay the player.

In one embodiment, a cashier or cash-out station of the invention may be configured to accept only tickets (or other non-currency/coin media), or may be configured to accept both such media and currency such as bills and/or coins. The cashier or cash-out station may be configured to dispense tickets, currency and/or coins, or other media such as cards, or update electronic financial accounts. For example, in one embodiment a cashier or cash-out station may accept tickets and currency and may either only dispense or issue tickets, or only dispense or load cards, and/or may be configured to issue currency.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an electromechanical meter and associated control in accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the intelligent metering system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a particular implementation of an intelligent metering system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the steps of a method of reading an electromechanical meter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a gaming machine including an accounting unit and configured to generate and accept tickets in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an accounting system of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a gaming machine including an accounting unit and configured to generate and accept tickets in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8A is a flow diagram of a method of generating a ticket at a gaming machine in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8B is a flow diagram of a method of accepting a ticket at a gaming machine in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a ticket;

FIG. 10 illustrates a ticket information storage configuration of a system of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein a cashier or cash-out system is directly or indirectly linked to one or more regulatory systems or devices; and

FIG. 12 illustrates variations of configurations of a cashier or cash-out station in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises a metering system, an accounting system, and a method and apparatus for coin or cash-less gaming. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

Various embodiments of the invention comprise, relate or have applicability to a gaming machine. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, such a gaming machine is configured to present one or more games based upon a wager, which games offer the chance for winnings. In such an embodiment, the gaming machine may be referred to as a casino-style gaming machine. Such machines are well known as slot machines, but may take various forms and present various games. For example, such machines may present slot, poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, bingo, keno or a wide variety of other games.

In one embodiment, such a gaming machine may include a housing for enclosing/supporting various components of the gaming machine. The housing have a variety of configurations. In one embodiment, the housing is configured to the machine has an “upright” configuration. The machine might also be configured as a “slant”-type, “bar-top” or have other forms.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine may configured as a “video” type gaming machine, the machine including at least one video display for displaying game information to a player. As described below, this game information may include playing card symbols or indicia. The display may be of a variety of types, including CRT, LCD, plasma and others. The gaming machine may also include more than one video display, or combinations of video displays and other display or presentation devices.

The gaming machine may include other means for providing information to a player. For example, speakers (not shown) or other devices may be provided for generating sound associated with the game. The gaming machine may also include lights, printed instructions and other displays/display devices.

In one embodiment, a player must make payment in order to be entitled to play the game. Preferably, the game is presented as a wagering type game, and a player must place a bet or wager in order to play the game for the opportunity to receive winnings. If the player is a winner of the game, the player is provided an award, such as a monetary payout (such as coins), credits representing monetary value, points or tangible prizes.

As described below, the gaming machine may include a bill validator/acceptor for accepting paper currency or bills and/or a coin acceptor for accepting coins. Other means of payment, such as a credit card reader, may be provided. An award of winnings in the form of coins may be paid to the player via a coin tray.

Preferably, the gaming machine includes means for a player to provide input. In one embodiment, this means comprises one or more buttons. For example, a plurality of “hold” or “draw” buttons may be provided for permitting a player to hold/select cards in a hand. A bet one button and bet max button are provided for a player to select the amount to bet on a particular game. Other means of input may be provided, such as a touch-screen display, keypad, joystick, and/or other devices now known or later developed.

A game controller is provided for controlling the various devices of the gaming machine and for providing game information. For example, the game controller may be arranged to generate game data such as video and audio data (or in a server environment, receive such data) and provide it to the one o more display devices for presentation thereby. The game controller may be arranged to detect a signal from the coin acceptor indicating the receipt of coins or from the bill validator regarding accepted bills and for registering credits corresponding to those inputs, for subtracting credits for wagers placed by a player, and for causing a coin delivery mechanism to deliver coins from a coin hopper to the coin tray for payment of winnings and/or return to a player of unwagered credits. Preferably, the one or more player input devices provide an output to the gaming controller for use in play of the game. For example, in response to a “bet one” input by a player, the gaming controller is preferably transmitted a signal which causes the gaming controller to initiate presentation of the game.

It will be appreciated that the gaming machine may have a variety of configurations, and that the gaming machine described above is but an example of a device for implementing the game of the present invention. For example, in one or more embodiments, the gaming machine may be associated with a network and receive game information remotely and may transmit information, such as payout and game play information, to a remote location. For example, a remote master controller may generate game information which is transmitted over a communication link to the gaming machine. That information may be utilized by a local controller or processor to present the game, such as by displaying game play data or information. The gaming machine might also comprise a computer, such as a desktop or laptop computer, which computer might receive game information from a remote gaming server or controller over a communication link.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include one or more physical reels capable of displaying symbols. In such a configuration, means are provided for rotating the physical reels. In one or more embodiments, the means may comprise a mechanical linkage associated with a spin arm, with movement of the spin arm (a “pull”) by a user causing the reels to spin. In such an arrangement, the reels are generally allowed to free-wheel and then stop. In another embodiment, electronically controlled mechanisms are arranged to rotate and stop each reel. Such mechanisms are well known to those of skill in the art. In this arrangement, actuation of the spin arm or depression a spin button causes a controller (not shown) to signal the activation of the spin mechanism associated with one or more of the reels. Preferably, the controller is arranged to either turn off the signal to the device(s) effecting the rotation of each or all of the reels or generates a signal for activating a braking device, whereby the reels are stopped. As is well known, the combinations of reel positions and their odds of hitting are associated with the controller, and the controller is arranged to stop the reels in a position displaying a combination of indicia as determined by the controller based on the combinations and odds. The principal of such an arrangement is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419 to Telnaes, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The gaming machine may have other configurations, including other features. For example, the gaming machine may include a player tracking device, such as a card reader and associated keypad. Such player tracking devices are well known and may permit the game operator to track play of players of the gaming machine (such as by information transmitted from the gaming machine back to a central server).

In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the gaming machine may be configured to dispense media, such as printed paper tickets, which have associated value. For example, winnings or unused credits may be returned to the player (such as upon the player providing a “cash-out” input to the gaming machine) via a printed ticket having value or associated value. In one embodiment, the gaming machine might also be configured to accept such media for providing credit for game play. The gaming machine may also be configured to accept and issue or write to other types of media, such as magnetic stripe cards and smart cards.

While the game of the invention is preferably played as a wagering game offering the possibility for monetary winnings, the game may be presented or played in other fashions. For example, the game may be played for fun or prizes. In such event, the player may be permitted to play the game for free or may be required to make payment to play the game. Instead of being awarded monetary winnings (or representations thereof, such as credits which may be redeemed for representative monies), the player may be awarded points, tokens, physical goods, discounts and other value.

As indicated above, a player may provide value to the gaming machine or machine operator in a number of ways, including with coins or bills. The player might also be permitted to provide value remotely. Value provided to the gaming machine may be represented as credits. Each credit may have an associated monetary value. Once the player provides value, the player preferably places a wager to play the game. This may be accomplished, in one embodiment, by the player pressing the “bet one” button or the “bet max” button which cause one or more credits having monetary value to be wagered, or by other means. As indicated above, such a gaming machine may include a primary metering system comprising one or more mechanical counters.

Of course, as described below, aspects of the invention may be applied to gaming machines having a variety of other configurations. In addition, aspects of the invention may apply to devices other than gaming machines, such as vending machines or the like as described below.

One embodiment of the invention is a metering system. The metering system has particular applicability to a gaming machine having a primary metering system including mechanical counters. Another embodiment of the invention is an accounting system for one or more gaming machines. The accounting system permits tracking of gaming machine monetary activities, including value-in and value-out at the gaming machine. The accounting system preferably includes the metering system of the invention. Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method and apparatus permitting coin or cash-less gaming. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, gaming machines are configured to issue value tickets or slips to players, such as at cash-out, in lieu of coins or cash. Gaming machines are configured to accept value tickets or slips, such as in lieu of coins or cash, for placing monetary wagers to play games.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an intelligent metering system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the intelligent metering system 100 comprises a secondary metering system associated with a primary metering system. Preferably, the primary metering system comprises a metering system such as that illustrated in detail in FIG. 1, including an electromechanical meter 20. As detailed above, such a primary metering system may include a meter interface for generating an electrical signal which activates the electromechanical meter, causing the meter to actuate. In one embodiment, the actuation is of a visible indicator of the meter (including arrangements where the machines do not utilize the intelligent metering system of the invention).

In accordance with the invention, the intelligent metering system includes a detector 102 and a controller 104. In general, the detector 102 is arranged to detect a meter event. In one embodiment, the detector 102 is arranged to detect a signal associated with the incrementing/decrementing of the meter 20, and more particularly the visible count indicator thereof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the detector 102 comprises a “passive” detector, in that it is arranged to detect such an event/signal without needing to directly intercept the signal. In one embodiment, the detector 102 comprises a field sensor (such as described below in detail).

In another embodiment, the detector 102 may be arranged to detect a meter event by other than detection of the signal. For example, the detector 102 may comprise an optical sensor for detecting the movement of one or more of the wheels or other moving mechanical indicators of the meter 20. In another embodiment, the detector 102 may comprise a reader, such as a camera or other optical reader for reading the visible count indicator itself.

The detector 102 is arranged to provide an output signal to the controller 104. The controller 104 may comprise a wide variety of devices/components. Preferably, the controller 104 comprises a device which receives the detector 102 output signal and manipulates or transfers that signal. In one embodiment, the controller 104 may use the signal as an input to change a data value in a memory, the data value associated with the signal event (such as the counting of coins input). In another embodiment, the controller 104 may output the signal or other data to a remote device or devices, such as a remote accounting system where data is tracked and stored.

FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a metering system 200 in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, the detector comprises an inductive pickup winding or coil 201. In one embodiment, the pickup coil 201 may be located adjacent to the meter 20 for detecting a magnetic flux generated by an electrical signal/impulse. In this embodiment, the coil 201 may be positioned in a housing which is mounted adjacent to or directly to the meter 20. The construction of the coil 201, including the number of windings, may vary depending on the desired sensitivity, the distance of the coil 201 from the wires carrying the electrical signal in the meter 20, and the strength of the signal in the meter 20, among other factors. In this embodiment, it will be appreciated that the detector is a passive detector, in that only by activation of the meter 20 is the detector (i.e. coil 201) activated.

In another embodiment of the invention a standard electromechanical counter may be manufactured with a secondary winding on the actuator electromagnet of the electromechanical meter 20. This secondary winding is used as the inductive pickup winding/coil 201. The inductive pickup coil 201 is used in conjunction with the electronic circuits of the metering system to sense and count the counter actuations without affecting the normal operation or reliability of the electromechanical meter 20. In one embodiment, the inductive pickup winding 201 is preferably formed from 15-17 turns of an enamel-coated 34-gauge solid copper wire.

In this embodiment, the controller comprises an amplifier 202, a pulse detector 204, a pulse counter 206, and a memory 208. The amplifier 202 boosts a signal from the inductive pickup winding 201 when the actuator electromagnet is actuated so that the signal has enough amplitude to trigger the pulse detector 204. For example, when currency is placed into a slot machine, the slot machine determines the value of the currency deposited, and then transmits an actuation signal to the actuator electromagnet of the electromechanical meter 20 to actuate the meter 20 a specific number of times depending on the value of the currency and the value of the units to be registered by the meter 20. For example, if a dollar is inserted into the slot machine and the electromechanical meter 20 stores the units in increments of 25 cents, then the actuator electromagnet will receive four actuation signals to add four “turns” to the electromechanical meter 20. When the electrical signal is sent to the actuator electromagnet to turn the electromechanical meter 20, the inductive pickup coil 201, along with the electronic circuits of the metering system, passively detects, counts and records each of the signals made to the actuator electromagnet.

The pulse detector 204 preferably comprises a comparator circuit with hysteresis so as to illuminate false triggering and to filter out EMP spikes, along with its primary purpose of detecting pulses. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the pulse detector 204 may simply comprise a low-pass filter.

The microprocessor 206 is used to count the pulses as the electromechanical meter 20 is actuated. The microprocessor 206 may be of a variety of types. In one embodiment, the microprocessor 206 comprises an 8-bit microcontroller such as a Phillips Semiconductor Model 87C751 microprocessor.

In one embodiment, the microprocessor 206 is also adapted to store pulse/count meter data in a memory device 208. In a preferred embodiment, the memory device 208 comprises a non-volatile memory device such as an Amtel 93C46 electrically-erasable programmable read-only (EEPROM) memory chip. The memory device 208 may be of a variety of other types, including RAM, DRAM, SDRAM and the like.

In one embodiment, the intelligent metering system 200 includes means for transmitting meter data to a remote device. Preferably, this means comprises a communication interface associated with the microprocessor 206 for outputting data therefrom.

In one embodiment, first and second interfaces 210 and 212 may be coupled to the microprocessor 206 to transmit the meter data to an external device. For example, the microprocessor 206 may utilize an industry standard I2C 3-wire interface 210, or a standard EIA RS-232 or RS-422 interface 212, or both, for connecting to a networked electronic accounting system, or to an external receiving device. Optionally, a wireless transceiver interface (not shown) may also be used to download the meter data to a palm-top computer device, a laptop computer, or other similar receiving device equipped with a port capable of interfacing with the transceiver. The wireless interface may be adapted to implement an infrared or radio frequency communication architecture/protocol, such as Bluetooth™ or IEEE 802.11(b).

The intelligent metering system according to an embodiment of the present invention may be especially useful for acquiring slot machine, vending machine, or arcade machine hard count meter data (electromechanical readings) remotely via radio frequency, or via a land-based media, such as over a telephone line or a paging system.

In addition to currency-driven machines, such as slot or other gaming machines, vending machines, or arcade machines, the intelligent metering system may be utilized in any device having an electromechanical meter or counter, such as in a printing or photocopier machine. Therefore, service personnel do not need to open up the machine and read the electromechanical meter, but may only need to simply connect a portable receiving device, such as a hand-held computer, into the interface of the printing or photocopier machine to read and record the meter data.

The intelligent metering system according to an embodiment of the present invention does not require any other special interface in order to detect the actuation of the electromechanical meter. In addition, no special protocols are required, as industry standard interfaces are used to transmit data from the metering system.

Therefore, in utilizing the intelligent metering system of the present invention, an accurate “hard” count reading may be obtained, and the values may also be compared with the electromechanical meter in order to verify accuracy, as well as determining whether the electromechanical meter itself has been tampered. Furthermore, the values obtained from the intelligent metering system are as reliable as the “hard” count reading because the intelligent metering system is entirely passive and dependent upon the actuation of the actuator electromagnet of the electromechanical meter 20. That is, it “counts” a pulse only when the electromechanical meter 20 is actuated and requires no active input (such as electrical leads carrying a live current). Therefore, the intelligent metering system does not have live wires connected to it in order to receive direct signals each time the actuator electromagnet of the electromechanical meter 20 receives a signal.

The intelligent metering system is preferably self-contained and entirely separate from the logic/circuit board of the machine in which it is placed. The self-contained intelligent metering system is such that any tampering with the logic/circuit board of the machine will not affect the intelligent metering system. And, to be as tamper resistant as possible, the intelligent metering system should not be dependent upon external power sources; that is, the microprocessor 206 and the memory 208 should be self-powered and maintenance free. The intelligent metering system should be functional in the event of a power failure, or even when no power at all is provided to the machine it which it is placed. Furthermore, the memory 208 should be unable to receive inputs from any other source except from the microprocessor 206 of the intelligent metering system. In addition, the intelligent metering system should be secure enough so that tampering of any of its components, especially the microprocessor 206 and the memory 208, is not possible, or that the intelligent metering system is capable of recognizing when tampering has occurred and recording such information. Therefore, the intelligent metering system, working in conjunction with the electromechanical meter 20, is capable of providing accurate and reliable “hard” count meter data, and accurate transmission of the meter data may be performed via the interface. The intelligent metering system also provides a reliable and accurate system for storing meter data that is more tamper resistant than electromechanical meters or counters.

An advantage of the intelligent metering system of the invention is that it can be associated with an existing primary metering system already in use in a device. Thus, the intelligent metering system can easily be adapted in “retrofit” fashion to an existing device. In one embodiment, the retrofit comprises the installation of the detector (such as winding 201) near the meter 20, along with the controller. In an embodiment where the detector comprises a secondary winding on the actuator electromagnet of the electromechanical meter 20, then the actuator electromagnet of the meter 20 or the entire meter 20 may be replaced.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of the steps of reading an electromechanical meter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Using the intelligent metering system according to an embodiment of the present invention described above, step 300 shows that a signal is first detected from the inductive pickup winding 201 positioned on the actuator electromagnet of the electromechanical meter 20 when the actuator electromagnet is actuated. In step 302, the detected signal from the inductive pickup winding 201 is amplified. Then in step 304, a pulse is detected from each amplified signal. The pulse is preferably detected by the pulse detector 204 that comprises a comparator circuit having hysteresis for detecting the pulses, detecting false triggerings, and filtering EMP spikes. In step 306, each of the detected pulses are counted, preferably by the microprocessor device 206. The microprocessor 206 preferably has a ROM or firmware storing microcode instructions for execution by the microprocessor 206 to count the detected pulses and store them as meter data. Meter data related to the counted pulses are then preferably stored by the microprocessor 206 in the memory device 208, such as a nonvolatile memory device, as in step 308. In step 310, the meter data may be transmitted from the memory device 208 through the interface 210 and 212. The interface 210 and 212 may be any standard type of interface, such as an I2C interface, or an RS-232 or RS-422 interface. As mentioned above, the meter data may be transmitted to any receiving device, such as a hand-held or laptop computer, adapted to interface with the intelligent metering system to receive the meter data.

The intelligent metering system may be adapted for use with a variety of primary metering systems. As detailed, the intelligent metering system is used with a primary metering system including an electromechanical meter for generating “coin in” count data. The system of the invention may be used with primary metering systems having electromechanical meters for generating a wide variety of other count data, such as coins out and the like.

In one or more embodiments, more than one intelligent metering system may be provided when a gaming machine includes more than one electromechanical meter. In one embodiment, the intelligent metering system may include a single controller 104 and a plurality of detectors 102, the detectors 102 associated with a plurality of electromechanical meters. In such event, the single controller 104 may be adapted to use the output signals from the plurality of detectors 102 to generate a plurality of count data.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the intelligent metering system may be used with electronic meters. Such meters may be provided an input signal which causes an electronic display of count data to be incremented. In this arrangement, the mechanical indicator (wheels, etc.) are replaced with an LCD, LED or other electrically powered or operated display.

Another embodiment of the invention is an accounting system for one or more gaming machines. In one embodiment, the accounting system includes or incorporates the intelligent metering system described above.

One embodiment of an accounting system 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 illustrates a gaming machine 402. Preferably, the gaming machine 402 includes one or more mechanical meters 404 in accordance with the prior art. The mechanical meters 404 include count indicators providing information regarding monetary transaction at the gaming machine 402. For example, one or more meters 404 may be utilized to track the value of monies, whether in the form of coins, cash, credit or the like, provided by a player to the gaming machine 402 for use in playing games. One or more other meters 404 may be utilized to track the value of monies paid by the gaming machine, such as coins dispensed, winnings award or the like. Preferably, individual meters are provided for the variety of monetary events which may take place at the machine so that each and every monetary event associated with operation of the gaming machine is recorded.

As indicated above, in one embodiment of such a gaming machine, the gaming machine includes a gaming controller 406 having an associated memory 408. The gaming controller 406 provides instructions to the one or more meters 404 via one or more interfaces 410. The gaming machine 402 may include a number of devices or components relating to the acceptance and dispensing or award of monetary value. For example, the gaming machine 402 may include a coin acceptor 412 for accepting coins, and a reader 414 for accepting cash. The gaming machine 402 may include a variety of other devices, such as a coin hopper (not shown) for dispensing coins.

Preferably, the accounting system 400 includes a secondary metering system in accordance with the invention. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the accounting system 400 includes a detector 412 corresponding to each mechanical meter 404. In one embodiment, the detector 412 comprises a coil.

The output of each detector 412 is preferably provided to an accounting unit 416. As described above, the output of the detector 412 may be amplified by an amplifier 418 and filtered with a filter 420 before being provided to the accounting unit 416.

In one embodiment, the accounting unit 416 is located at the gaming machine 402. For example, the accounting unit 416 may be located within the interior of the gaming machine 402, preferably in a secure location. In another embodiment, the accounting unit may be an “add-on” type unit which is coupled to the gaming machine or located proximate the gaming machine. In one embodiment the accounting unit 416 comprises a controller 422 and a memory 424. The controller 422 preferably includes or comprises a processor for executing instructions or performing tasks. The controller 422 may comprise hardware and/or software. The memory 424 preferably comprises a data storage device. The accounting unit 416 may include additional elements. For example, the controller 422 and memory 424 may be associated with a circuit board and be connected by a bus.

The output of the one or more detectors 412 is preferably provided to the accounting controller 422. The controller 422 may be configured to store meter data in the memory 424. For example, the accounting controller 422 may store pulse data, as described above.

Preferably, the accounting system 400 also includes an accounting host 426. The accounting host 426 preferably comprises computing device which is located remote from the gaming machine 402. For example, the gaming machine 402 may be located on a casino floor, while the accounting host 426 may be located in a secure back room.

Preferably, a communication link is provided between the accounting unit 416 and the accounting host 426. This communication link may be wired or wireless. The accounting unit 416 and accounting host 426 preferably include or are associated with a communication interface permitting the transmission and receipt of information. The particular communication protocol which is utilized to transmit and receive information or data may vary. For example, the communication protocol may be IEEE-1394, USB, 802.xx, Ethernet or the like.

Accounting data is transmitted from the gaming machine 402 to the accounting host 426 at one or more times. In one embodiment, accounting data in the form of collected meter data is transmitted from the accounting unit 416 to the accounting host 426. In another embodiment, the accounting information may comprise collected meter data which is assimilated or complied and/or modified by the accounting unit 416. For example, in one embodiment, individual meter pulse data may be provided to the accounting host 426. In another embodiment, the accounting unit 416 might provide data regarding meter pulses over a period of time, or even more complex data such as calculated “value” data (determined from pulse representing “credits” and the denomination of each “pulse”). Of course, it will be appreciated that the data may have various forms. Preferably the data is encoded, such as with a machine code, so that the source of the data may be confirmed at the accounting host 426. The data may also be encoded to protect or secure it, such as by encryption.

The accounting host 426 preferably stores transmitted accounting data. For example, transmitted data may be stored in one or more files of a memory of the accounting host 426.

In one embodiment, the accounting host 426 includes a processor capable of running one or more applications. One such application may be an accounting program capable of reading the accounting data and manipulating that data or displaying the data. The accounting host 426 may also include one or more output devices, such as displays or printers. For example, the accounting program may permit a user to cause the accounting host 426 to display accounting data for a particular gaming machine during a particular period of time. Such applications are well known.

As indicated, in one embodiment the gaming machine 402 may be configured to transmit accounting information to the accounting host 426. In one embodiment, such a transmission may be performed at particular time intervals, upon occurrence of particular events, and/or in response to instructions received from the accounting host 426. In this regard, various techniques may be employed to manage the flow of data traffic, such as to prevent overloading of the communication link or links.

In accordance with this aspect of the invention, an accounting system for one or more gaming machine permits collection and use of gaming machine accounting data. Using the accounting system of the invention, monetary activities at the gaming machine may be tracked and audited. For example, an operator of the gaming machine may determine, from a remote location, the amounts paid in and paid out at the gaming machine over a period of time. The accounting data may be used for various purposes, including to prevent fraud or theft, for tracking revenues, game performance and a variety of other purposes.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the accounting system 400 may include a plurality of gaming machines 402 associated with a common accounting host 426. The gaming machines 402 and accounting host 426 may communicate, at least partially, over one or more common communication links.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a coin or cash-less system is provided for one or more gaming machines. In a preferred embodiment, this system is a “ticket” system which permits a player to be paid or “cash-out” by being provided a printed ticket or slip, and which permits a player to submit a value slip or ticket to a gaming machine to provide value for game play/wagers. For this reason, the system may be referred to as a ticket system. The coin or cash-less system may, however, be configured to dispense or utilize other non-currency or non-coin media, such as magnetic stripe cards, FOBs having recordable/re-writeable memory devices or the like.

One embodiment of a gaming machine configured to issue and accept value slips or tickets, and a system of a plurality of such machines, will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. As illustrated in FIG. 5 and described above, a gaming machine 402 preferably includes a primary metering system and a secondary metering system, as well as an accounting unit.

In this embodiment, the reader 414 is configured to read printed tickets or slips. The reader 414 may be configured in various fashions depending on the information to be read from the ticket. For example, the reader 414 may be a bar-code reader for reading information from the ticket.

In addition, the gaming machine 402 includes a printer 428. The printer 428 is configured to generate, such as by printing, one or more tickets. In one embodiment, the printer 428 is configured top print individual media, such as paper sheets. The media may also comprise a roll of paper which is divided, such as by tearing or with a cutter, into individual tickets or slips.

One embodiment of a ticket 430 is illustrated in FIG. 9. As illustrated, the ticket 430 preferably bears indicia. In one embodiment, the indicia include one or more machine readable codes 432, such as a bar code. Preferably, the code 432 represents information, such as numbers and/or letters. For example, in one embodiment the code 432 may represent a machine identification number 434, a ticket number 436 and an issue date and time 438. The generation and use of this information will be described below.

In one embodiment the ticket 430 may also include various human-readable information such as the ticket value 440. Advertising, the name of the casino or other property at which the ticket was issued, redemption instructions and other information may also be located on the ticket.

Preferably, the system is configured to implement the various methods detailed below. In general, the accounting unit 416 is configured to generate accounting information from the meter information which is gathered. This accounting information is used to determine the total value of monies belonging to a player of the gaming machine at any given time. When the player wishes to “cash-out,” the accounting unit 416 is configured to generate ticket information and cause the ticket printer 428 to print a ticket 430.

The reader 414 is configured to read a ticket 430 which is presented by a player. The reader 414 transmits ticket information to the accounting unit 416 for verification. If the ticket is verified, the ticket reader 414 is instructed to “credit” the value of the ticket to the gaming machine, such as in the manners described in more detail below.

One embodiment of a method of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8A. In a step S1, one or more of the mechanical meters 404 of the gaming machine 402 are incremented. As detailed above, this step may be accomplished by the gaming controller 406 sending a signal via an interface 410 to the meter 404. The gaming controller 406 may generate such a signal in response to a “value” event at the gaming machine, such as the receipt of coins, cash, or as described in more detail below, a ticket, or a game win, game loss, or payout.

In a step S2, the incrementing of the counter of the mechanical meter 404 is detected by the detector 412 of the system of the invention. This aspect of the invention is described in more detail above.

In a step S3, meter data is generated. This step may include the generation of a pulse by the detector 412 of the secondary metering system, as well as the generation of a data element representing that pulse by the accounting controller 422. As described above, information regarding mechanical meter events may be tracked in various ways.

In a step S4, accounting data is generated. Preferably, this accounting data includes the value of monies belonging to the player of the machine. For example, the accounting controller 422 may utilize information collected from the various mechanical meters 404 of the machine to generate a collective value of the sum of credits or monies belonging to the player. If a player inputs $100.00 in coins to the gaming machine 402, wagers $50.00, and receives winnings of $75.00, then these values, as reflected by individual meter events, enables the accounting controller to determine that the player has $125.00 in credits or value at the machine. In this regard, it is preferred that the system of the invention include detectors regarding as many or all of the mechanical meters as is necessary to accurate track and determine the monetary transactions occurring at the machine.

It will be appreciated that each increment of the mechanical meter is simply a number increment, such as one (1), and does not represent value per se. The “value” associated with each numerical increment is determined by the “denomination” of the value event. As is known in the art, gaming machines are configured to represent the value provided to them by a player as credits of a particular denomination. For example, if the machine is configured to accept wagers of $0.25 denominations and a player provides a $20.00 bill, the player will be credited with 80 credits. In that event, the gaming controller 406 is preferably configured to increment the “credit in” meter by 80. In some events, the denomination of wager may be changed at a machine, such as by a player between games. In that event, the number of credits will be modified to reflect the change in denomination. For example, if a player has 80 credits of $0.25 denomination, the player would only have 20 credits of $1.00 denomination.

Preferably, the gaming controller 406 is configured to communicate the denomination of credits in, credits won and the like, to the accounting controller 422. In this manner, the accounting controller 422 can convert the numerical meter data to the actual monetary value.

In accordance with the invention, if a player has credits at a gaming machine and wishes to stop playing that machine, the player is permitted to obtain a ticket for the monetary value of those credits. Of course, the player might be permitted to instead be paid in other manners, such as coins.

In a step S5, if a cash-out signal is received, such as by a player's input to a cash-out button or touch-screen location, then the gaming controller 406 is preferably configured to transmit that request to the accounting controller 422, by a signal, as in step S6. In a step S7, the accounting controller 422 is preferably then configured to generate ticket information.

In one embodiment, the ticket information includes the code 432 and other information which is to be printed or associated with the ticket 430, as well as information regarding the ticket which is to be stored, such as information for verifying the ticket at a later time. In one embodiment, the accounting controller 422 generates the code 432. Preferably, the code 432 includes a unique ticket identifier, such as a ticket code. In an embodiment where a plurality of machines are configured to generate and dispense tickets and those tickets may be presented at other machines, the ticket code preferably includes a machine code. The machine code identifies the gaming machine at which the ticket was generated, and is preferably unique to each particular machine of the system. In one embodiment, the accounting controller at each gaming machine generates a code including the machine identifier and a unique ticket number, the ticket number preferably at least being unique to the particular machine. In this manner, all tickets issued at all of the gaming machines of the system have a different ticket identifier.

As indicated, the ticket information or code may include a variety of other or additional information, such as the time and day the ticket was issued. Where a player tracking system is being used, the ticket code may also include player identification information used to identify the player via the player tracking system.

The accounting controller 422 preferably saves information regarding the ticket, such as at its associated memory 424, as in a step S8. For example, the accounting controller 422 may create a ticket record including the ticket identifier, time of ticket generation, ticket value and associated information. Associated information may include a field or flag indicating whether the ticket has been redeemed or presented.

The accounting controller 422 send ticket information to the ticket printer 428, causing the ticket printer to print the ticket, in a step S9. Once dispensed, the player may collect the ticket.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the player may redeem the ticket for value, such as at a cash-out or cashier station. Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment of the system, the gaming machines 402 are connected to one another and to one or more cash-out or cashier stations 450 via one or more communication links.

The cash-out station 450 may be a wholly or partially automated station. When configured as a partially automated station, the cash-out station may be associated with a cashier. In such an instance, a player may present their ticket to the cashier. The cashier may then insert the ticket to a reader or otherwise scan or input the ticket information from the ticket 430. The ticket is then verified in manner similar to that described below. Once verified, the cashier may pay the player monies in the value of the ticket.

In the case of an automated station 450, the player may directly present the ticket, such as by inserting it into a reader. Once verified, the cash-out or cashier station may be configured to dispense coins, currency or other elements in a value of value represented by ticket.

In a preferred embodiment, the player may also present the ticket 430 to the gaming machine at which the ticket was issued or any other gaming machine of the system. Preferably, when the ticket is presented to a gaming machine, the value of the ticket is credited to the machine for use by the player in placing wagers.

One embodiment of a method of accepting a ticket will be described with reference to FIG. 8B. In a step S1, the ticket is accepted at the gaming machine 402. In a preferred embodiment, a player inserts the ticket in to the reader 414 associated with the gaming machine 402.

In a step S2, information is obtained from the ticket and is transmitted from the reader 414 to the accounting controller 422. In a preferred embodiment, the reader 414 reads the machine readable information associated with the ticket 430, such as by scanning the bar code 432 on the machine.

In a step S3 it is determined if the ticket 430 is recognized by the accounting controller 422 of the machine at which the ticket is presented. This step may include the step of comparing the ticket identifier to those ticket identifiers stored in the memory 434 associated with the accounting controller 422. In the preferred embodiment of the system where each machine generates its “own” tickets and stores information only regarding information regarding those tickets, the unless a ticket presented at the gaming machine was also issued by that machine, then the ticket will not be recognized.

If the ticket is recognized by the accounting controller 422, then in a step S4, the ticket is verified or confirmed. As indicated above, in a preferred embodiment, information regarding the ticket issued at each machine preferably stored at that machine. Referring to FIG. 10, if a ticket having ticket identifier is 6411268 is presented at gaming machine 402 a, it the accounting controller 402 can verify that this ticket was issued at this particular machine, can check to determine if the ticket is valid and, if so, the value of the ticket (in this case $153.11).

In one embodiment, verification of the ticket includes a determination of whether the ticket was previously presented and/or redeemed. As indicated, a data entry associated with the ticket may be utilized to indicate whether the ticket was already redeemed. If this entry or flag is indicated, then the ticket is preferably rejected, preventing it from being paid or redeemed a second time. In such event, a signal may be sent from the accounting controller 422 to the ticket reader 414 to either reject the ticket (and eject it to the player) or to keep the ticket (such as by drawing it into a secure box) but not credit the ticket. The player may be provided an indicator of the status of the ticket as accepted or rejected, such as a visible displayed instruction.

In the event the ticket is verified, the value of the ticket is confirmed. Preferably, this comprises determining the value from the data stored with the ticket information at the accounting unit 416. For example, ticket identifier 6411268 may be determined to have a value of $153.11 from the stored ticket information at the machine.

If the ticket is verified or confirmed, then in a step S5, a signal is transmitted to the ticket reader 414 regarding the value of the ticket to be credited.

In step S3, if the ticket is not recognized at the machine where the ticket was presented, then in a step S6, the accounting controller 422 preferably sends a signal to the other machines associated with the system regarding the ticket number requesting verification thereof. Preferably, this signal is transmitted to the accounting controller 422 of each machine 402, and the accounting controllers of the other machines then determined if they recognize the ticket. In one embodiment, the signal may be transmitted to all machines at the same time, for parallel processing. In another embodiment, the signal may be transmitted serially from one machine to the next until a machine recognizes the ticket. In yet another embodiment, the accounting controller 422 may be configured to recognize the machine identifier of the ticket code and then transmit the ticket identifier directly to that machine.

Once the ticket identifier is recognized by a particular gaming machine, then the ticket is verified or confirmed in a step S7, similar to the step S4 described above. For example, referring to FIG. 10, if a ticket having ticket identifier 689873 is presented at gaming machine 402 a, the accounting controller of that machine can confirm that the ticket was not issued at that machine. The accounting controller then sends a signal to the other machine(s). In this case, the accounting controller of gaming machine 402 b will recognize the ticket identifier.

The accounting controller at which the ticket is verified (e.g. gaming machine 402 b of FIG. 10 in the just-described example) then transmits verification information, preferably comprising at least the value of the ticket (such as the value $201.01, referring to the example of FIG. 10), to the accounting controller from which the request originated, in a step S8. The originating accounting controller 422 then transmits the ticket value information to the reader 414, as in step S5 described above.

In an embodiment gaming machine such as that illustrated in FIG. 5 where the machine 402 includes a pulse generator 415, once the reader 414 is provided the value of the ticket 430, the reader 414 signals the pulse generator to send an appropriate number of pulses to the gaming controller 406 representative of the ticket value, as in step S9. The operation of a pulse generator 415 in a gaming machine is well known. In general, such pulse generators are configured to send a pulse representative of each “credit” worth of value provided to the gaming machine. For example, if the gaming machine is operating on a denomination of $0.25 and a player inserts $1.00 in quarters to the coin acceptor 412, the pulse generator is configured to generate four (4) pulses, thus providing the gaming controller 406 with instructions to credit four (4) $0.25 denomination credits. Similarly, in this embodiment, if the reader 414 is instructed that the ticket value is $100 and the gaming machine denomination is set at $0.25, then the pulse generator will be caused to generate 400 pulses.

In a step S10, the credits representing the ticket value are credited or registered. In one embodiment, this includes the step of the gaming controller 406 recognizing the credits and confirming, such as by visible display, the number of credits available to the player for play. In a preferred embodiment, the credits are also registered at one of the mechanical meters 404. Likewise, the accounting controller 422 can confirm that the credits were recognized by detecting the meter incrementing.

As described above, many gaming machines utilize analog communications and utilize a pulse generator to communicate “credit-in” to the gaming controller. In newer machines, digital communications are utilized. In such event, digital data is utilized to provide value information. FIG. 7 illustrates such an embodiment gaming machine 402 a. In that embodiment, the reader 414 a is preferably configured to generate an output which is provided to a signal generator 415 a. The signal generator 415 a provides a digital data signal to the gaming controller 406 a regarding “credit in” value.

In such an embodiment, step S9 of the method described above is modified so that the signal generator 415 a is caused to signal the gaming controller 406 a so that the gaming controller 406 a registers the credits representing the value of the ticket.

It will be appreciated that in such an embodiment or other configurations of the invention, the accounting and/or cash-less/ticketing features of the invention may be implemented independently of the intelligent metering system or other features of the invention. For example, the method and apparatus for issuing and redeeming tickets (or other media other than currency/coins) may be implemented with gaming machines of other configurations, including those which do not utilize the intelligent metering system.

As described above, in one embodiment, a player may be permitted to cash-out or redeem a ticket at a cash-out station. A method of redeeming a ticket 430 at a cash-out station is similar to the method described above and illustrated in FIG. 8B. When the player (directly or via a cashier or otherwise) presents the ticket, a controller at the station 450 transmits the read ticket identifier to the gaming machines 402 in order to verify the ticket. Once verified, ticket value information is transmitted back to the station 450, causing the station 450 to issue monies to the player or causing the cashier to pay the player.

Of course, once a ticket is redeemed and paid, the machine which stores the ticket data for that ticket preferably stores information to the effect that the ticket has been redeemed to prevent its redemption in the future.

A variety of alternate configurations of the method and apparatus of the invention are contemplated as within the scope of the invention, and the invention may include additional features or elements. It will be appreciated that the term “accounting controller” is used for convenience and reference only, and the elements or devices which are used to accomplish the methods of the invention may be referred to by other names. In general, other configurations of gaming machines may be utilized to implement the methods of issuing tickets and redeeming tickets as detailed above wherein gaming machines generate and issue the tickets (rather than a central host) and wherein tickets are verified via the machines (rather than via a central host).

In another embodiment of the invention, when a ticket is generated at a gaming machine, ticket information regarding the ticket may be transmitted to all other gaming machines (and any cashier stations) on the system. In this manner, each gaming machine may include a complete, duplicate record of all tickets generated by all machines. When ticket information is accessed or modified, such updates are then preferably transmitted to all of the gaming machines, thus ensuring that all gaming machines include the same ticket information. This embodiment system has the advantage that if a gaming machine goes off-line and a ticket which that off-line machine issued is presented at another machine, the ticket can still be verified.

As an example of this embodiment of the system and method, a gaming machine A may generate a cash-out ticket. Information regarding that ticket may be stored at that gaming machine A and is also preferably transmitted to gaming machines B and C of the system. In this manner, each of gaming machines A, B and C store information regarding the ticket. If the ticket is then redeemed at gaming machines B or C, the ticket can be verified directly at those machines and without the need to transmit ticket information back to gaming machine A that issued the ticket for verification.

In one embodiment, once the ticket is redeemed, verification information may be transmitted from the gaming machine at which the ticket was redeemed to all other gaming machines. This serves to prevent the ticket from being presented and redeemed at another gaming machine. In another embodiment, when a ticket is redeemed in this embodiment of the system, the ticket information regarding that ticket may be removed from all of the machines (to prevent that ticket from being redeemed again and to also reduce the amount of ticket data that each machine must store). A backup record of the issued and redeemed ticket may only be stored, for example, at a central accounting repository for later audit purposes.

Various embodiments of the invention comprise cashier or cash-out stations for use with one or more gaming machines or in systems including one or more gaming machines. Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, a cashier station 450 of the invention may be configured only to accept tickets T and then provide payment to a player in one or more forms (as described below). In such a configuration, the cashier station 450 may be referred to as a cash-out station, because the only function of the station is to accept tickets and pay the player. In this configuration, the cashier station 450 may include a ticket or media reader 452. When the cashier station 450 accepts printed tickets T, the media reader 452 may comprise a bar code reader. When the cashier station 450 accepts other types of media, such as a magnetic stripe card, the media reader 452 might comprise a bar code reader.

In another embodiment, the cashier station 450 might be configured to accept money or currency, such as coins or paper bills B. In this configuration, the cashier station 450 may be configured to issue media back to the player, as detailed below. In order to accept monies, the cashier station 450 may include a coin acceptor (not shown) and/or bill acceptor. The bill acceptor may comprise, for example, a bill validator. In an embodiment where the cashier station 450 is configured to accept both tickets T and bills B, they may be accepted and read or scanned by a common media reader 452 as shown, or by separate devices.

In a preferred embodiment, the cashier station 450 is configured to dispense or provide value, either to cash-out an accepted ticket T or as a representation of the value provided by the player in the form of currency.

In one embodiment, as indicated above, the cashier station 450 may be configured to dispense money. For example, the cashier station 450 may include a coin dispenser (not shown) and/or a currency dispenser 454. The currency dispenser 454 may include a cash box for storing one or more bills and may include a device for issuing or dispensing bills B therefrom. As one example, a player may provide a ticket T to the cashier station 450 for cash-out purposes. The ticket T may represent a value of $100. The cashier station 450 preferably validates the ticket T, such as in the manners described above, and may then cause the currency dispenser 454 to dispense $100 in currency (such as 5 $20 bills, 1 $100 bill, 10 $100 bills, or other bills or combinations thereof, including depending upon the configuration of the currency dispenser). In this configuration, bills B may be accepted at the bill validator 452 and stored in a cash box, and bills B may be dispensed from a separate currency dispensing device.

In another embodiment, the cashier station 450 may be configured to dispense currency, such as coins or bills, from a recycler device 456 which is also configured to accept currency. For example, the media reader or acceptor might actually comprise a portion of a bill recycler 456. The recycler 456 is preferably configured to read and validate currency, such as bills B. Accepted bills B may be permanently stored, such as in a cash box portion 458 of the recycler, or may be placed into a dispensing portion 460. The recycler 460 may then be configured to dispense bills B, such as from the dispensing portion 460. A particular advantage of this configuration is that currency, such as bills B which are accepted by the cashier station 450 may be later dispensed back from the cashier station 450. This reduces the labor/maintenance required relative to a configuration where bills B are accepted into one cash box (which must be emptied when full) and where bills B are dispensed from another device (which must be manually re-stocked), as accepted bills may be used to stock the dispensing mechanism.

In yet another embodiment, the cashier station 450 may be configured to dispense tickets T, such as by a ticket printer 462. For example, a player might provide currency, such as bills B, to the cashier station 450. In response the cashier station 450 might be configured to dispense a ticket T from the ticket printer 462, that ticket T having a value equivalent to the amount of funds the player provided to the cashier station 450. The player might then present that ticket T at one or more gaming machines. Such a configuration may be particularly advantageous in a gaming system where the individual gaming machines are not configured to accept money (coins/currency), such as to reduce the security issues associated with the storage of money at the machines and having to removed full cash boxes and/or coin acceptors from many gaming machines (vs. only having to service a few cashier stations 450).

In one embodiment of the invention, the cashier station 450 may be configured to receive and/or dispense cards C or similar media, or access one or more electronic financial accounts. For example, the cashier station 450 might be configured to receive or interface with a card bearing a magnetic strip or other data storage device. In one embodiment, the cashier station 450 might be configured to dispense such cards (i.e. deliver them from an internal storage area), while in other embodiments, the cashier station 450 might be configured to read information from such a card C and/or write or update data to such a card C. For example, a player might provide an existing card C to a card reader/writer 464 of the cashier station and the card reader/writer 464 may read existing data from the card and then modify that data, such as to reflect an increased cash balance associated with the card.

As illustrated, the various components of the cashier station 450 of the invention may be controlled or operate in various fashions. For example, the cashier station 450 may have a central controller 422 a. The controller 422 a may receive data, such as one or more signals, from various of the peripheral devices (such as a media reader 452, ticket printer 462, recycler 456, etc.) and generate and output various data, such as one or more signals for controlling those peripherals. The cashier station 450 may also interface with one or more external devices as indicated above, such as a casino accounting system or server.

Aspects of use of a cashier station 450 having one or more of the features described above will now be described. As indicated above, a player who wishes to play one or more gaming machines which accept tickets might provide monies to the cashier station 450 and, in exchange therefor, receive a ticket T (such as from the ticket printer 462) having that associated value. The player might then present that ticket T to a gaming machine. The gaming machine may validate the ticket T, such as in the manner described above, whereby a player is provided with credits which may be used to place wagers to play one or more games.

As indicated above, currency provided by a player to the cashier station 450 might be stored in a cash box for later retrieval by the operator. Alternatively, the currency might be provided to a bill recycler 456. In that event, the currency might be either stored for later retrieval by the operator, or stored for later dispensing to a player.

A player might also present a ticket T to the cashier station 450. The ticket T might, for example, have been issued to the player in response to the player cashing out from the gaming machine. The cashier station 450 preferably validates the ticket, such as in the manner described above in more detail.

The cashier station 450 might then issue monies to the player in the amount of the ticket T. For example, if the cashier station 450 is equipped with a bill dispenser 454, the cashier station 450 might dispense bills B therefrom. If the cashier station 450 is equipped with a recycler 456, bills B may be dispensed therefrom. Of course, the cashier station 450 might be configured to issue coins as well.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when a player cashes out a ticket T, the cashier station 450 is configured to associate the value with a card C or a financial account associated with the card. In one embodiment, a player may have a bank card having an associated bank account (credit, debit, savings, checking or other account for example), or the player might have a casino card. The casino card may be a card associated with a player's casino account. The card and/or associated account may be identified, for example, by a unique account number. This account number might be associated with the card C, such as encoded in a magnetic stripe thereof

The player may provide their card C to the cashier station 450, such as by inserting it into the card reader/writer 464. The card reader/writer 464 may read information from the card C, such as to determine the associated account number, the identity of the account holder, the present monetary balance associated with the account or the like. Of course, in various embodiments, such information may be obtained or confirmed at a remote location, such as by a remote casino accounting system or a remote banking system. For example, the card reader 464 might read an account number from a casino card C and then communicate that account number to a casino accounting system which uses the account information to obtain present balance information. In one embodiment, a player might be required to provide confirmation information, such as a PIN, in order to utilize the card. This PIN may be verified against a PIN stored remotely, such as at the player's casino or bank account.

The amount of a provided ticket T may be associated with the card C or with the player's account. If monetary balance information is associated with the card C, that information might be updated, such as by re-writing the stored data with new balance data, such as using the card writer 464. In another embodiment, the card simply provides account information and the monetary balance of that account is updated remotely. For example, the controller 422 a of the cashier station 450 may transmit player account information obtained from the card C along with ticket value information to a casino accounting server, which server updates the player's account balance.

In this regard, as detailed above, it is noted that the card C is then just representative of a remote account and is just utilized to identify the player and/or their associated account. Thus, other types of media or identification could be utilized. For example, the player could be issued an RFID FOB (or other security token) which the player may wave in front of a reader to permit the cashier station 450 to read the account information. The cashier station 450 might even use other information such as a player's fingerprint, retinal scan or other information in order to identify the player and/or their account.

As indicated above, in a preferred embodiment the cashier station 450 may not be configured to dispense money, but instead may only be configured to use cards or similar non-monetary media or the like. This configuration has numerous advantages. First, in this configuration, the cashier station 450 does not have to include one or more devices for storing and dispensing money, which devices must be replenished in order to maintain an adequate supply of physical coins or bills.

Also, such a card C or account may be used for other purposes. For example, a casino might issue casino cards C. A player might associate monetary value with their card account. The casino might offer special rates or discounts for players who use their card account to pay for rooms, food, drink, merchandise or the like at the casino or affiliated operators.

In one embodiment, in similar fashion to a gift card, the monies associated with such a card/account might “expire” after a period of time if not used. For example, if a player associates monies with a casino card account and then doesn't use those monies within 1 year, the player may forfeit those monies. Also, in this arrangement, a casino may earn interest revenue based upon the monies associated with or deposited into the player casino accounts.

Such a casino type card might also be used as a player identification or tracking card. As is well known, it is common for casinos to have existing player tracking systems. These systems may be used to track the game play of players. This information may be used, for example to reward players for their loyalty to the casino. Such a card C having associated value might also be used to identify a player for such purposes (and such card information may be linked or associated with a casinos player tracking system).

In one embodiment, the card C may be associated with a bank account, and thus comprise, for example, a debit card. In such a configuration, cash-out monies may be associated with the player's bank account. In this arrangement, the cashier station may act as an automated teller machine (ATM) or other banking system interface. The cashier station may, for example, be operated by a bank, whereby banking fees are collected or charged as part of transactions occurring at the device. This arrangement has the advantage that the cashier station 450 may be maintained by a bank, rather than the casino.

Of course, such an arrangement also has the advantage that the player may utilize their card/account at any locations which accept bank cards. For example, a player might win $1000 while playing a game at a gaming machine and cash out from the machine. The player may take their cash-out ticket T to the cashier station 450, insert the ticket T and their card C and the $1000 winnings may be transferred to their checking account. The player might then travel to a restaurant at the casino and pay for their meal using their bank card C, using funds from their checking account.

It is possible that in such a system configuration one or more gaming machines could also be configured to receive or read cards or similar media or information. In this manner, the player could use their card C (or other information identifying a financial account) to provide value to the gaming machine for placing wagers.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a cashier station 450 may be connected to a plurality of external systems or devices and be configured to collect various information. For example, the cashier station 450 may be connected by one or more communication links (wired or wireless, via various networks or devices) to a gaming regulating entity 500, a state taxation entity 502, a federal taxation entity 504, or other entities.

Further, the cashier station 450 may be configured to obtain and/or provide various information to such external entities/devices. For example, as is well known, certain existing U.S. tax rules require that federal income tax be withheld on gaming winnings (payout less the wager) which exceed $5000.00 (US). In accordance with the invention, the cashier station 450 may be configured to effectuate such withholding, including by reporting the identification of the winning player. For example, if a player has won $7,000.00 and wishes to cash out at the cashier station 450, the cashier station 450 may be configured to scan (such as a with a bar code reader) the player's drivers license, to obtain a fingerprint, to obtain a retina scan, to obtain a picture (using a camera or a scanner which reads the player's drivers license), or obtain player identification in other ways (by receiving input to a keyboard into a form which requests player identification information such as Social Security number, name, address and the like), or by reading other external identification devices such as identification cards.

The cashier station 450 may be configured to withhold required income tax (and only dispense to the player a cash-out amount which reflects deduction of the income tax), and to report winnings information, tax withholding and the player identification information to one or more external entities. In this manner, the process of accounting for payouts and withholding taxes and otherwise gathering and reporting other required information is entirely automated.

Of course, the cashier station 450 need not directly provide such information or be linked to such external systems. For example, a casino's central accounting system or server 426 may be linked to such external devices or systems. In this configuration, an accounting server may track a player's game play. Upon a player cashing out at a cashier station 450, the cashier station 450 may report the cash-out request to the accounting server 426. The accounting server 426 may determine that, based upon amounts wagered and won, income taxes must be withheld. As a result, the accounting server 426 may instruct the cashier station 450 to collect player identification information. For example, the cashier station 450 might include a video display that displays information to a player, such as a graphical use interface which informs the player that tax withholdings are required and which provides instructions to the player and/or requests information from the player. As one example, the interface might request that the player pass their drivers license under a bar code reader of the cashier station 450. Upon gathering the required information, it may be transmitted to the accounting server 426 which sends it on to gaming, taxation or other regulatory agencies. In addition, the accounting server 426 may transfer withheld funds to a withholding account and then instruct the cashier station 450 to credit or dispense the remaining winnings or cash-out amount (less withholding) to the player.

The methods, apparatus and systems of the invention have numerous advantages and features. Numerous advantages of the metering system are described above. A particular advantage of the accounting system is the ability for the gaming operator to track and audit all monetary transactions occurring at every gaming machine. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, this tracking and auditing can be accomplished in real time, and from a remote location. A gaming machine operator can thus ensure that monies provided to and paid out by the gaming machine are accurate to reduce fraud (such as potential theft of coins from the coin hopper, use of fraudulent tickets and the like) and to track gaming machine activities, including revenues and profits.

In accordance with the ticket system of the invention, the ability to audit the gaming machine monetary transactions can be used to ensure that tickets are being properly generated and redeemed across the entire system. For example, if a player creates and attempts to use a fraudulent ticket, credit for the ticket will not match monies shown as “paid” by the gaming machines, since no such ticket was created.

The system of the invention also permits players to “cash-out” and be paid in the form of a ticket (or other media) instead of coins, paper bills or other currency. Similarly, this system allows a player to utilize a ticket or other media to provide value to a machine, rather than providing coins, currency or other forms of payment.

The particular “ticket” system (i.e. non-currency aspects) of the invention has numerous benefits. A first aspect of the system is that it is “distributed.” Unlike the prior art, each gaming machine is responsible for generating and issuing its own tickets, and for confirming tickets. This eliminates the need for a complex host or server configuration and associated data traffic. Further, in the preferred embodiment, this configuration allows the existing accounting unit associated with the secondary metering system to perform these functions, thus not requiring significant additional hardware. In essence, once the metering and accounting systems exist, the ticket system “support” already exists within the structure. This configuration thus avoids the need for additional complex servers and hosts to service all of the gaming machines ticketing functions.

An advantage of the configuration of the system wherein the ticket information is replicated to all devices is that each device can verify each ticket even though a network or communication links between the devices are inactive. A problem with existing “central host” systems is that if the network linking the gaming machines back to the central host goes inactive is that the gaming machines cannot issue tickets or redeem tickets because they cannot communicate with the host. In accordance with the system of the invention, each gaming machine may store replicated data regarding all tickets and thus directly verify all tickets. If a linking network is inactive, a gaming machine may verify a ticket and then transmit a redemption signal to the other machines after the network is restored.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. 

1. A gaming system comprising: at least one gaming machine configured to present at least one wagering game based upon a wager, said gaming machine configured to accept money from a player for use in placing said wager and configured to generate and issue a ticket to said player, said ticket having information associated therewith representing a monetary value; and at least one cashier station, said cashier station configured to read said information from said ticket presented by said player and, in response to verification of said monetary value represented by said ticket, credit an electronic financial account associated with said player.
 2. The gaming system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said financial account is represented by a magnetic stripe card and said cashier station is configured to read said magnetic strip of said card to identify said financial account.
 3. The gaming system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said card comprise a bank issued debit card.
 4. The gaming system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said at least one cashier station comprises a ticket reader configured to read said information from said ticket.
 5. The gaming system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said gaming machine further comprises at least one currency acceptor for accepting said money from said player, at least one controller configured to generate game information and at least one video display configured to present game information generated by said at least one controller.
 6. The gaming system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said gaming comprise further comprises a ticket printer.
 7. A method of operating a gaming system comprising: accepting monetary funds from a player at a gaming machine for use in placing a wager; presenting at least one game to said player at said gaming machine; generating a ticket at said gaming machine, said ticket having an associated record reflecting a monetary value; accepting said ticket at a cashier station; reading information from said ticket at said cashier station; validating said monetary value of said ticket; and crediting said validated monetary value to a financial account of said player.
 8. The method in accordance with claim 7 wherein said step of validating comprises comparing information read from said ticket to said ticket record.
 9. The method in accordance with claim 7 wherein said financial account is represented by a physical card.
 10. The method in accordance with claim 9 wherein said card comprises a bank-issued debit card having a magnetic stripe encoded with an account number of said financial account.
 11. The method in accordance with claim 7 further comprising the step of receiving a financial card of said player at said cashier station and reading an account number from said card.
 12. The method in accordance with claim 7 wherein said step of accepting monetary funds comprises accepting at least one bill into a bill validator of said gaming machine. 